Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Location: Cambridge (Hybrid: 3 days in-office)

Role Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: -65,000 - -75,000 + Benefits

Security Clearance: Must hold, or be eligible for, UK Eyes Only (SC/DV) clearance.

The Opportunity

Our client is a technology and engineering consultancy, recognised for delivering high-impact strategic innovation across the commercial and defense sectors. They are seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to act as a vital bridge between complex R&D and physical product delivery.

In this role, you will be responsible for growing and reinvigorating the firm''s manufacturing capabilities, ensuring that complex electronic PCB assemblies and mechanical housings are successfully transitioned from prototypes to scalable production.

Key Responsibilities

• DfMA Leadership: Provide expert Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) guidance to engineering teams during the early design phases of the product lifecycle.
• Prototyping & NPI: Lead the coordination of electronics prototypes and the transfer of low-to-mid volume products to manufacture, particularly those featuring complex RF technology.
• Supply Chain Strategy: Identify, vet, and manage UK and international contract manufacturers. Create robust plans to support both localised and overseas manufacturing.
• Quality & Performance: Partner with the Quality Manager to audit supplier performance, address technical issues, and ensure strict adherence to quality standards.
• Leadership & Development: Direct line management of a small, multi-disciplinary team, including technicians, layout specialists, and mechanical engineers.
• Strategic Growth: Support the growth of the product supply business by providing manufacturing input for new business bids and high-level proposals.

Candidate Profile

Technical Requirements:

• Proven experience in the full product development lifecycle, ideally within a consultancy or high-spec engineering environment.
• Strong technical literacy in electronics manufacturing (SMT), assembly techniques, and mechanical design.
• Previous experience handling complex RF technology is highly desirable.
• Demonstrable experience in line management and team development.

Security & Eligibility (Critical):

• Due to the nature of the projects, candidates must currently hold, or be fully eligible to obtain, UK Security Clearance (SC or DV level) with "UK Eyes Only" status. This typically requires being a British National with a continuous UK residency history.

Soft Skills:

• Consultancy Mindset: Comfortable in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment with frequent client interaction and shifting priorities.
• Clear Communicator: Able to engage credibly with technical staff, engineers, and senior-level client executives.

Highly Desirable:

• An existing network of UK and international supply chain partners.
• Experience in manufacturing for the Space Sector (ESA/ECSS standards).

The Rewards

Our client offers a stimulating work environment that prizes adaptability and initiative. You will benefit from:

• Professional Development: A clear path for career progression within a versatile and growing business.
• Collaborative Culture: A friendly, supportive workplace with regular social events and a focus on work-life balance via hybrid working.
• Prime Location: Based in a state-of-the-art facility near Cambridge with easy road and rail links.

To apply or for a confidential discussion regarding this role and the security requirements involved, please submit your CV today.